Isn't it amazing what each of us here has gone through to bring us to this moment in the evolution of Tolkien's stories? Just today, I was picturing you becoming the newest member of that New Zealand filmic family. It has to be such a unique experience to step into their world and find that you fit right in :) It must be surreal, at the same time, to also be facing us... this madly opinionated and enthusiastic group of fans with all sorts of questions, ideas and expectations.

As a fan myself of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit for 37 years, who saw the LotR films at the theatre an average of 58 times (each), and having seen Pan's Labyrinth (with your commentary) and watched Hellboy more times than I can count, I'm delighted to have you as director of these films! Peter Jackson's confidence in you and what you can achieve together is all I need to believe that we're all in for one fantastic adventure!

Thank you for visiting us here. I think you know it's a thrill to count you as an official TORn sibbie (sibling). Sorry, there's no escape. You're one of US now!